Lily of the valley in Corrèze: traditions that are preserved

Who doesn't know this pretty flower with white bells that gives off a pleasant fragrance every year, as May approaches? In Corrèze, the appearance of the lily of the valley stirs emotion and marks the start of many traditions including dances, festivals and especially the lily of the valley walk in Masseret.

Lily of the valley, a flower that grows once a year in Corrèze

Lily of the valley, also known as May lily, is an ephemeral flower that displays its white bells for 3 to 4 weeks between April and June. Native to Japan, it grows wild in temperate zones, much to the delight of the people of Corrèze, who each year see the forests dotted with pretty white blossoms along the paths. A sprig of lily of the valley given on May 1st is traditionally considered a good luck charm. Don't hesitate to treat your loved ones to these little bells! In fact, 13 years of marriage are celebrated as the " lily of the valley" anniversary !

The Lily of the Valley Walk in Masseret, Corrèze

For over 40 years, the town of Masseret has celebrated lily of the valley with an organized walk in the Montard forest. It's the perfect opportunity to get together with family, friends, or your loved one for a day of joy in search of the coveted flower. Don't miss the 9:00 AM departure for a short hike along forest paths, followed by an aperitif around noon by the pond. Free and open to all, the lily of the valley walk in Masseret is a year-round tradition, much to the delight of residents and nature lovers alike. And the date? It's simple: May 1st !

Lily of the valley: some tips and precautions to follow

This discreet and fragrant wildflower grows in forests, making it ideal for a special foraging trip while hiking the trails. While harvesting is tolerated in public forests, it must be approved by the landowner in private forests. Once authorized, respect is still essential ; the aim is not to damage nature, but to harvest responsibly to optimize the lily of the valley's growth in the years to come. Avoid uprooting the flower; cut it without removing the bulb and place the stem in water to prolong its lifespan. According to the French National Forestry Office (ONF), you can pick between 10 and 15 stems per person, which still makes a lovely bouquet. Be careful if you are with children, as lily of the valley is a highly toxic plant that can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and heart problems.

Don't miss May 1st and the Lily of the Valley festival in Corrèze, surround yourself with white bells to bring you luck all year round!

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